This is a great month for great wines at great prices. Many small-production wines can be a little on the pricey side. This month I have three wines showing that small production doesn’t necessarily mean expensive.
2003 Willow Brook Cellars Dutton Ranch Chardonnay ($19.99)
Yes, a Dutton Ranch Chardonnay for under $20. The fruit for this wine comes from the Old Rome Block of Chardonnay located at Dutton Home Ranch on Graton Road in Green Valley. It was a former apple orchard. Aromas of honeysuckle, pear, and green apple with hints of pineapple. On the palate, this wine is rich and full bodied with lively fruit, sweet vanilla, butterscotch flavors and a refreshing long crisp finish.
2004 Sawbuck Yolo County Malbec ($9.99)
Look out Argentina, Malbec is starting to make its presence felt in California. This wine is big and rich with an abundance of bright fruit. A blend of 77% malbec, 9% cabernet sauvignon, 7% syrah, 6% graciano, 1% tempranillo. If Malbec is your love, this is not to be missed.
2004 Sawbuck Yolo County Malbec ($9.99)
Tempranillo is a varietal I love. A good Rioja is always a pleasure. This wine will remind you how good tempranillo is. A rich, spicy wine with flavors of blueberry and black cherry. 76% Tempranillo, 10% Malbec, 7% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot. –Mike Jordan